BMC-Leyland Motor Vehicle Plant

From Engineering Heritage Australia


At this 26-hectare site the British Motor Corporation / Leyland Australia manufactured motor vehicles between 1950 and 1975. Pioneering a period of major post-war reconstruction, migrant assimilation and technical innovation in Australia, it was the only complete such plant in NSW employing a peak of 7,000 people from 35 nations. Significant engineering features, new to Australia included: Fully automated transfer machining of cylinder blocks, “Rotodip” corrosion preventative painting of car bodies, “Flexible” manufacturing with automatic conveyorized assembly and “Just-in-time” supply processes.

Sketch of the extensive plan at Zetland.
Unveiling the plaque.
Minister Carl Scully inspects a product of the plant, and the wording of the plaque.
Wording of the Engineers Australia plaque
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BMC-Leyland Motor Vehicle Plant location map.

Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type Historic Engineering Marker (HEM)
Award Date June 2000
Heritage Significance Between 1950 and 1975, the British Motor Corporation/Leyland’s plant at Victoria Park, Zetland was a major motor vehicle manufacturing and employment facility.

During the post-war reconstruction period it was a major pioneer in migrant assimilation and technical innovation in Australia; it was the only complete such plant in NSW, employing a peak of 7,000 people from 35 nations, and it introduced significant engineering features to Australia including:
• Fully automated transfer machining of cylinder blocks;
• “Rotodip” corrosion preventative painting of car bodies;
• “Flexible” manufacturing with automatic conveyorized assembly; and
• “Just-in-time” supply processes.

Nomination Document Available here.
Ceremony Booklet Available here.
Interpretation Panel None Installed.
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